Raheem Sterling has departed Chelsea after three and a half years with the club.
The winger is now a free agent and free to join any club following a mutual agreement to terminate his contract. Sterling is open to all options and is not limiting his search to London, expressing willingness to play anywhere.
Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna told Sky in Italy that a move to the Italian side is unlikely due to Sterling’s “significant financial expectations.”
The 31-year-old had not featured for Chelsea since May 2024, despite remaining one of the club’s top earners, reportedly taking home £325,000 per week. Sterling still had 18 months left on his contract, which could have cost Chelsea £25m if he stayed until summer 2027.
Signed from Manchester City in 2022 for £47.5m, Sterling was Chelsea’s first men’s signing under the current ownership. He spent last season on loan at Arsenal and had been training separately from the first team since returning to Chelsea last summer.
Sterling has attracted interest from clubs including Fulham and Napoli but preferred a permanent move rather than another loan.
A Chelsea statement read: “We thank Raheem for the contribution he made while a Chelsea player and wish him well for the next stage in his career.” The winger made 81 appearances across all competitions since joining from Manchester City.
Analysis: Sterling still feels like he has a lot to offer
Sky Sports News’ Kaveh Solhekol said Sterling is prepared to play anywhere as he plans the next stage of his career. “All options are on the table with Sterling not limiting himself by only targeting a move to a club in London.”
Solhekol noted that the experienced winger, who has 82 England caps and 13 major trophies, believes he still has much to contribute. He declined another loan after his spell at Arsenal, seeking stability and a permanent fresh start.
Napoli deliver verdict on Sterling transfer
Napoli’s Manna confirmed that Sterling’s wage demands make a move difficult. Speaking before Napoli’s Champions League clash with Chelsea, he said:
“Raheem is very good, but he hasn’t been playing for a long time.
“We spoke with him during the summer but I see it as difficult right now, he has significant financial expectations.”
‘A travesty that Sterling isn’t playing football’
Sky Sports News’ Rob Dorsett said on The Transfer Show:
“Raheem Sterling can sign wherever he wants now. He can take his time in assessing his next move.
“He’s not tied to the transfer window now. He doesn’t have to get a move in the next five days, he can take stock and talk to clubs away from here for the rest of the season.
“It’s just extraordinary that three seasons ago, Sterling was one of the best and most potent players in the Premier League and England built their team around him for the World Cup in Qatar.
“Three years ago, he was England’s second-highest scorer after Harry Kane of the players that went to that World Cup.
“But since then, Sterling has been in the doldrums.
“For a player of his calibre who should be at the peak of his powers, it’s a travesty that he’s not playing football right now.
“If the outcome of all this is Sterling moves somewhere else in the next few weeks, gets himself settled and playing football again, it’s great for him.
“The issue now is there will be no end of clubs interested in taking him, but there will be nobody prepared to pay him £300,000 per week.
“He will have to take a huge pay cut to keep his career wherever he goes. It’ll be interesting to see, after two years of not playing much football, who will take a punt on him.”